Boring and milling machine



Nov. 18, 1941.

Filed April 15, 1939 ARMITAGE ETAL BORING AND FILLING MACHINE,

9 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR .J'aazrx .& ZTAEE 0x31 W. Burma ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1941. 1 J. B. ARMITAGE ETAL BORING AND MILLING MACHINE 1 I 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1939 mww ATTORNEY J. B. ARMITAGE ETAL BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Nov. 18, 1941.

Filed April 15, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 18, 1941- J. B. ARMITAGE ETAL BORING AND MILLINGVAMAACHINE I Filed April 1511939 9 Shets-Shet 4 mm O - 'INVENTORS .3. ARM: TH E-E Uamu ML BARKER.

\ ATTORNEY Nov- 18; 1941.

J. B. ARMITAGE ETAL I BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Filed April 15, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 .JbsE'PH TA GE 05am: AHKEH ATTORN EY Nov. 18, 1941. J. B. ARMITAGE ET AL BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Filed April 15, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS JDSEFH .E. ARM! TA GE BY U321 EA HKEH WM 5 6 m ATTORNEY Nov. 18, 1941.

J. B. ARMITAGE ET AL BORING AND MILLING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 15, 1939 VENTORS .FH -AHMzTAGE 2 Y.EARKEH ATTORNEY Una BY W Nov. 18, 1941. J. B. ARMITAGE ET AL 2,263,404

BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Filed April 15, 19:59 '9 sheets-sheet a INVEN 0R3 Jaszra -Anmzzmsz 03am! YI/Z-BAHKEH ATTORNEY NOV. 18, 1941. J B. ARMITAGE ET AL BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Filed April 15, 1939 9 Sheet s-Sheet 9 sefg ' INVENTOR s JDSEPH B. AHMZ 2145.2;

Danny 17V. BAH KER ATTOR N EY Patented Nov. 18, 1941 BORING AND MILLING MACHINE Joseph B. Armitage, Wauwatosa, and Orrin W.

' Barker, Milwaukee, Wis assignors to Kearney & Trecker Corporation, West Allis, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application April 15, 1939, Serial No. 288,030

i so Claims. This invention relates generally to improvements in machine tools, and more particularly to an improved boring and milling machine.

A general object of the invention is to provide an improved boring and milling machine ar-' ranged for convenient and eiilcient operation in performing work with a high degree of accuracy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a boring and milling machine presenting opposed tool carrying spindles at opposite sides of a work-supporting structure and having improved means for relatively positioning the spindles and the work-support and for correlating their cooperative action.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved supporting structure for the operating. elements of a machine tool.

Another object is to provide an improved power transmission mechanism for actuating the movable elements of a machine tool.

Another object is to provide an improved spindle carrying structure for a boring and milling machine.

Another object isto provide improved means for clamping a spindle carrying head in predetermined position upon a supporting structure.

Another object is to provide an improved tool carrying headstock for a machine tool.

Another object is to provide an improved tool spindle supporting element or ram arranged to provide for bodily axial movement of the spindle.

Another object is to provide improved means for clamping a spindle carrying ram in predetermined position on a machine tool.

Another object is to provide improved driving and feeding mechanism for a machine tool spindle.

Another object is to provide an improved transmission train for eifecting feeding movement of a spindle supporting ram.

Another object is to provide an improved spindle supporting ram mounted for bodily movement in axial direction and carrying range changing mechanism connected to drive the spindle and rate changing mechanism connected to'eiiect axial feeding movement of the ram and the spindle.

Another object is to provide an improved spindle carrying ram having rate changing and reversing mechanism connected to be driven by the spindle and operative to eflect feeding movement of the ram at a selected rate in a selected direction.

Another object is to provide an improved arrangement for insuring accurate alignment of a tool spindle carrying ram. 1

Another object is to provide improved means for adjusting the position of a boring machine column in eflecting alignment of a spindle carried thereby.

Another object is to provide improved clamping means for a movable element of a machine tool.

Another object is to provide an improved electrical control system for a machine tool.

Another object is to provide a control system for a machine tool having a work-supporting table and a plurality of tool supporting spindles, the arrangement being such that movement of the work table is discontinued whenever any one of the tool spindles becomes overloaded.

Another object is to provide a control system for a machine tool having a feeding motor and a plurality of spindle driving motors so arranged that the feeding motor will be stopped upon the occurrence of an overload condition in any one of the motors.

A further object is to provide an electrical control system for a machine tool having a work moving motor and a plurality of spindle driving motors so arranged that the work moving motor is free to drive the work-support at rapid traverse rate regardless of whether or not the spindle motors are operating but is prevented from driving the work-support at feed rate unless at least one of the spindle motors is operating.

A still further object is to provide an electrical control system for a machine tool having a plurality of spindle motors and a feeding motor, which includes an interlocking contactor and an overload relay associated with each spindle moone of the spindle motors.

According to this invention, an improved boring and milling machine having a base carrying a work-supporting table and having two spindle supporting columns upstanding at opposite sides of the table, is provided with improved.

means for eflecting accurate positioningof the work table relative to the tool spindles on the columns, and for correlaQng the cooperative action therebetween. The tool spindles are disposed in opposed relationship and are mounted on the columns in vertically movable self-contained spindle carrying heads. Improved means are provided for establishing accurate alignment of the opposed spindles, each headbeing provided with a telescope arranged to be sighted upon a target fixed on the opposing head, the arrangement being such that when the spindles are in accurate alignment the reticle of each telescope will register with its cooperating target. Each spindle is rotatably mounted in an improved ram or spindle carrier slidably supported for bodily axial movement in the spindle head upon angularly disposed plane bearing surfaces. Adjustable gibs are provided for retaining the ram in engagement with the bearing surfaces in the head and a clamping device is arranged to force the complementary bearing surfaces into clamping engagement for clamping the ram rigidly without disturbing the alignment of the spindle. Each spindle is driven by an independent motor carried by the spindle head and oper-' atively connected by speed changing mechanisms to turn the spindle at a selected speed and to feed the ram at a selected rate. The axial feeding movement of the ram is effected by means actuated directly from the spindle, the feeding rate being directly related to the spindle speed, whereby spiral boring operations may be performed at predetermined leads and'at cutting speeds determined by the spindle speed changing mechanism. A separate feed driving motor is provided for effecting horizontal feeding movement of the table and vertical feeding movement of the heads, the feed motor being interlocked electrically with the spindle motors in such manner that when the feed drive is engaged it is necessary that one of the spindle motors be operating in order to operate the feed motor, while with the rapidtraverse drive engaged the feed motor may be operated regardless of whether or not the spindle motors are operating. Each motor is provided with an overload protective device and the control system is so interlocked that upon the occurrence of an overload condition in either spindle motor the feed motor will be stopped automatically thereby preventing feeding movement of a workpiece against a stationary cutter. Improved selectively connectable manually actuated means are provided for moving the table, the heads and the rams in precisely positioning them, and improved clamping means function to retain them rigidly in their adjusted positions.

The invention is exemplified herein by means of a combined boring and milling machine embodying the inventive features; however it is to be understood that this particular embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and that various other structures, all within the range of equivalents of the features defined in the subjoined claims, may be utilized in practicing this invention.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention, which will become more fully apparent as the following detailed specification proceeds, mav be achieved by means of the exemplifying a paratus depicted in and described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a general view in and elevation of a boring and milling machine illustrating the type of apparatus in which the present invention may be incorporated to advantage;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary detailed by the line 2-2 in Fig. 1, and showing the arrangement for adjustably positioning a column of the machine on its base;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged end view of one'of the telescopes and targets shown in Figs. 1 and 4 and used for aligning the spindles of the machine, taken generally on the plane represented by the line 3--3 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is another general view of the boring and milling machine taken in side elevation, the upper part of one column having been broken away to show the spindle head counterweight;

Fig. 5 is an enla gee fragmentary view of the manually actuated mechanism for adjusting the work table, taken generally in horizontal section on the plane represented by the line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the indicating apparatus for vertically positionin the spindle supporting heads, taken partly in vertical section on the plane represented by the line 6-8 in Fig. 1;

Fig. "l is a fragmentary view, partly in vertical section, of the table clamping mechanism and its actuating lever, the lever being mounted on the side of the machine base as shown in Fig. 4;-

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary'detailed view of the table clamping mechanism, taken on the plane represented by the line 8--8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is another fragmentary detailed view of the table clamping mechanism, taken on the plane represented by the line 9-9 in Fig. '7;

Fig. 10 is a view in horizontal section of part of the right supporting column and the associated spindle head, taken approximately on the planes represented by the line 10-40 in Fig. 4 and showing the spindle head clamping mechanism;

Fig. 11 is another fragmentary view of the spindle head clamping mechanism, taken in vertical section .on the plane represented by the line Hll in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view in vertical section of the right spindle supporting head, taken longitudinally of the spindle on the planes represented by the line l2--l2 in Fig. 4 and showing the spindle driving mechanism;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the right spindle head, generally similar to Fig. 12, and taken partly in vertical section on the plane represented by the line l3-l3 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 14 is another view in vertical section of vthe right spindle head but taken transversely of the spindle on the plane represented by the line 14-44 in Fig. 1 and showing the spindle carrier feeding mechanism;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view generally similar to Fig. 14 but taken on the plane represented by the line l5l5 on the left spindle head in Fig. l and showing the spindle carrier clamping mechanism;

Fig. 16 is an expanded, partly schematic view, taken generally in horizontal section, of, the transmission mechanism for effecting relative feeding movement between the tool spindles and the work-supporting structure; and

Fig. 17 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical control system for the spindle driving view. taken in horizontal section on the plane represented motors and the feeding motor of the machine;

The particular machine tool shown in the drawings as exemplifying apparatus constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention, is a. combined boringand milling machine of the double opposed spindle type, although it is to be understood that the various features of the in- .vention may be utilized with equal advantage in other machine tools of different construction.

Referring more specifically to the drawings,

Figs, 1 and 4 thereof in particular show generally, in front and side elevation. the boring and milling machine that is fully described herein by way of a complete disclosure of a practical embodiment of the invention. As shown in these views, it may be seen that the general structure of the machine comprises essentially a hollow bed or base 2| constituting the foundation or main frame of the machine and forming a housing for some of its actuating mechanism. On its upper surface the bed 2| is'provided with ways which carry a work-supporting table 22 arranged for longitudinal reciprocatory feeding movement therealong.

As best shown in Fig. 1, the bed 2| is provided at its respective sides with bed extensions 23 and 24 projecting laterally therefrom and serving to s pport left and right upstanding tool carrying columns or uprights 25 and 26 at opposite sides of the work-supporting table 22 respectively. The columns 25 and 26 serve to carry tool spindle supporting headstocks or heads 21 and 28 respectively, each of which is arranged for independent vertical sliding movement along ways I on the forward face of its supporting column. Mounted in the tool headstocks 21 and 28 are horizontal slidable spindle carriers or rams 28 and 30 which rotatably support opposed left and right tool carrying spindles 3| and 32 respectively. This arrangement provides for adjustment of the spindles horizontally in axial direction by movement of the spindle carrying rams and for adjustment thereof vertically by movement of the headstocks along the columns, whereby cutting tools carried by the spindles may be adjusted to any position, within the range of the machine, in a vertical plane transverse to the direction of movement of the worksupporting table 22 and in cooperating relationship therewith.

Each of the spindle carrying rams 28 and 38 may be moved manually relative to itssupporting headstock by means of a star wheel or pilot wheel 34 and may be clamped rigidly to the headstock by actuating a ram clamping lever 36. Vertical movement of the headstocks 21 and 28 along the columns may be effected manuallyv by means of a crank (not shown) applied to the squared end of one or the other of two actuating shafts 31 and 38, the actuating shafts being operatively connected to turn vertically disposed elevating screws 39 and 40 which engage and move the left and right headstocks 21 and 28 respectively. To facilitate upward movement of the spindle headstocks, each headstock is provided with a cooperating counterweight 45 concealed within the corresponding column and connected to exert upward force upon the head- 5 stock by means of chains 46 operating over idler sprockets fljou'rnalled in the top of the column, as shown in Fig. 4. Each of the headstocks may be clamped to its cooperating column by actuating a forwardly projecting clamping lever 58 to retain it in predetermined position thereon.

For adapting the machine to operate upon' workpieces of various sizes, the columns 25 and 26 are movably mounted upon ways on the upper surfaces of the corresponding bed extensions 23 and 24, adjusting screws 5| and 52 being provided for engaging and moving the columns screws may be operated manually by means of a hand crank (not shown) which may be applied to the extending squared end of one or the other of two actuating shafts .53 and 54, the shafts being operatively connected by. means of gear reduction mechanisms 55 and 56 to the screws 5| and 52 respectively. After the columns have been adjusted, they may be clamped to the bed extensions in well known manner by means of clamping bolts 51 which engage T slots 58 in the upper surface of the bed extensions and pass through holes in the bases of the columns.

In order that the headstocks 21 and 28 may be positioned vertically with a high degree of accuracy, as may be required for the purpose of bringing the opposed spindles 3| and 32 into axial alignment, each headstock is provided with precision measuring apparatus. As shown'in detail in Fig. 6 with regard to the right headstock 28, the measuring apparatus includes a sensitive dial indicator 62 arranged to cooperate with a projecting centrally disposed plunger 66 arranged for vertical sliding movement therein.

As the spindle head is moved downward by the elevating screw 48 in approaching its predetermined position, the top of the measuring rod 63 is engaged by the end of the plunger 66 thereby arresting downward movement of the plunger and causing it to effect pivotal movement of a lever 61 that is carried by a bracket 68 fixed on the spindle head. As shown, the lever -61 is pivotally mounted at its middle in the bracket 68 with one end engaging a notch in the plunger 66 and the other end engaging a similar notch in a rod 10 that is slidably mounted for vertical movement in the bracket. When the lever 61 is pivotedby upward movement of the plunger 66 after engagement of the measuring rod'wlth the end of the plunger, the rod 18 is moved downward, a corresponding distance against the resistance of a compression spring 1| which functions to retain the plunger 66 in projected position. The rod 18 is provided at its upper end with a transverse arm 12 that engages an actuating plunger 13 of the dial indicator 62 and causes the indicator to register the exact position of the spindle head. In effecting the final adjustment, downward movement of.the spindle head is continued slowly until the dial indicator 62 shows that the head has arrived atthe predetermined position, whereupon the head may be clamped to the column by actuating the pre viously mentioned clamping lever 53. a

To bring the spindles 3| and 32 into axial alignment at apredetermined position relative toward or from the table 22. The adjusting to the-work-supporting table 22, both of the heads 21 and 28 are accurately adjusted in this manner to equal'heights above the corresponding column bases. After the adjustments have beencompleted, the accuracy of the alignment may be checked by means of a pair of telescopes.

15 and 16 mounted on the spindle heads 21 and 28 respectively and directed upon' cooperating targets 18 and 19 that are mounted respectively on the opposing spindle heads. Each telescope is provided with the usual cross-hair reticle, the arrangement being such that when the spindles are in accurate alignment the crosshairs of each telescope will register with corresponding marks on the cooperating target carried by the opposite spindle head the targets being preferably marked with cross lines 89 as shown in Fig. 3 with reference to the target I9. As more fully described and claimed in the co-pending application of Joseph B. Armitage, Charles 0. Rothweiler and Theodore O. Salzer, Serial No. 273,544, filed May 13, 1939, the telescopes and I6 function not only to check the relative vertical positions of the spindles 3| and 32 but also to check their relative horizontal positions and their angular alignment.

In the event that the spindles 3I and 32 are found to be off-set in a horizontal plane, they may be re-aligned by adjusting one or the other of the movable columns upon its supporting bed extension in direction longitudinally of the table 22 by the adjusting means shown in Fig. 2. As there shown, eachof the columns, in this instance the column 25, is fitted in the Ways in the top of the bed extension 23 by means of tapered gibs 83 and 84 each of which is provided at each end with an adjusting screw 85. In order to move the column 25 rearwardly, for example, relative to the base extension 23, the

' gib 83 is moved to the left by its adjusting screws and the gib 84 is moved to the right a correspond ing amount, whereby the column may be shifted the distance necessary to bring the spindles into horizontal alignment, as indicated by the telescopes and their cooperating targets.

In the event that one of the spindles is misaligned angularly, the reticle of the corresponding telescope will be thrown out of register with its cooperating target, whereas the reticle of the telescope on the other head may register with its target'or indicate only a slight misalignment. Under these circumstances the angular position of the column carrying the misaligned spindle may be corrected by scraping the gibs 83 and 99 to effect the necessary angular adjustment in a horizontal plane, and the angular position of the spindle head may be corrected by scraping the bearing surfaces in the head which cooperate with the ways on the column, to effect the necessary angular adjustment in a vertical plane.

By sighting through the telescopes l5 and I6 after the spindle heads have been adjusted to predetermined positions, the machine operator may be assured that the spindles are in accurate alignment if the telescope reticles register with the target lines. If on the other hand the telescopes should indicate that the spindles are not in alignment, the necessary steps may be taken to perfect the adjustment before machining operations are started upon a workpiece.

The spindle carrying heads 21 and 28 are each provided with independent driving motors 81 and 88 respectively, the motors being carried 1 bodily by the corresponding heads and furnishing power both for rotating the tool spindles and for effecting feeding movement of the spindle carrying rams. The structures of the two heads are similar, each including a saddle member 99 which is slidably engaged with spaced ways on the front of the corresponding column, as shown in detail in Figs. 10 and 11 with regard to the right head 28 and column 26. As shown in Fig. 10, the saddle 99 is retained on the column by means of flat gibs or retaining strips 9I which are fitted to obviate lost motion between the face of the column and the saddle. The saddle 99 is further provided with a side bearing surface 92 which engages a way on one side of the column face and is retained in contact therewith without lost motion by means of a tapered gib 93 which engages an opposing bearing surface disposed between the main ways on the front of thecolumn. To provide for movement of the spindle head 29 vertically along the column 26 by means of the elevating screw 49, the saddle 99 carries at its upper end a fixed nut 94 which engages and cooperates with the screw 49 in well known manner.

The clamping mechanism for retaining the spindle head in adjusted position on the column and which is actuated by the clamping lever 50,

1 includes two vertically spaced pairs of spaced clamping arms. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, a lower pair of clamping arms and 96 are pivotally carried by a rearwardly extending part of the saddle 99 in position to engage respectively with clamping surfaces 91 and 98 disposed on the column in opposition to the main ways on the front face thereof. A second or upper pair of clamping arms 99 and I99, spaced vertically from the clamping arms 95 and 96, are likewise arranged to engage respectively with the clamping surfaces 91 and 98. By this arrangement the clamping surfaces in the column may be engaged at four widely spaced positions defining a rectangle in such manner that when all of the clamping arms are actuated equally, the saddle 99 is drawn into clamping engagement with the column face with equalized pressure and without danger of disturbing the alignment of the spindle.

In order that the several clamping arms may be moved simultaneously with equalized pressure upon actuation of the clamping lever 59, the lever is arranged to act upon equalizing linkage including an equalizing lever or bar I9I that is pivotally engaged at its middle by the rounded end of a plunger I92 which cooperates with an eccentric element 393 formed on the hub of the lever 59, the arrangement being such that when the lever is moved to clamping position the plunger Hi2 and the equalizing bar I9I are moved rearwardly. The clamping force exerted by the plunger E92 on the lever i9! is equalized between its ends, by reason of the medially pivoted connection of the lever with the plunger, for transmission equally to the two spaced pairs of clamping arms. To equalize the clamping pressure between the arms of each pair, the lever I9I is provided at its ends with pivotally mounted shoes I94 and I95 respectively, the shoe I94 engaging adjusting screws on the ends of the lower clamping arms 95 and 96 and the shoe I95 engaging similar adjusting screws on the ends of the upper clamping arms 99 and I99, thearrangement being such that when the clamping arms are thus forced into engagement with the surfaces 91 and 98, the saddle 99 is drawn into equalized clamping engagement with the forward face of the column.

For receiving the slidable spindle carrying quill or ram 39, the saddle is provided on its forward surface with spaced vertically disposed rectilinear plane bearing surfaces or ways I98 and I99 and also with a horizontally disposed plane bearing surface or way II9, as best shown in Fig. 14. The ram 39 is of massive solid construction in the form of a tubular quill provided with upper and lower integrally formed square webs or slide elements I I I and I I2 extending upwardly and downwardly therefrom respectively and presenting complementary vertical and horizontal rectilinear bearing surfaces disposed parallel with the corresponding bearing surfaces on the saddle 90. The rearward vertical bearing surfaces on the slide elements III and H2 are complementary to by means of a tapered gib H which engages the opposed horizontal bearing surface on the top of the slide I I I, as best shown in Fig. 12.

In order to adjust the structure for establishing precision alignment of the ram 30, the vertical and horizontal bearing surfaces in the saddle may be scraped or otherwise precisely finished to the required degree of accuracy. With the bearings thus fitted, the various tapered gibs I I3, H4

,and I I5 are tightened to obviate lost motion and to maintain. the bearing surfaces in accurate sliding engagement. To support the ram rigidly when it is retracted to the position shown in Fig. 1, the saddle 90 is provided with an outwardly extending supporting bracket H8 that presents a horizontal bearing surface H9 which cooperates with the lower surface of the slide element H2, as best shown in Fig. 4, to carry the overhanging end of the ram.

Longitudinal movement of the ram 30 is effected by means of a pinion I2I that engages a rack I22 secured to the ram, as appears in Figs. 14 and 15. The pinion I2I is carried on one end of a shaft I23 the other end of which carries the star wheel 34, the arrangement being such that upon turning the star wheel, the shaft and pinion are rotated and the ram moved longitudinally.

In clamping the ram 30 in its adjusted position, th clamping lever 36 turns a screw I24 which exerts pressure upon a clamping plug I25 that bears upon a hardened clamping strip I26 mounted on the upper forward side of the ram.

' As appears in Figs. 14 and'15, the clamping force is exerted by the screw I24 at an angle to the bearing surfaces and in the direction to force both the vertical bearing surfaces and the horizontal bearing surface on the ram slides into clamping or gripping engagement with the fixed vertical bearing surfaces, I08 and I09 and the horizontal bearing surface IIO of the saddle ways, thearrangement being such that clamping may be effected without disturbing the alignment of the ram. As shown in Fig. 12, the tool carrying spindle 32 is rotatably supported in the forward part of the ram by means of a pair .of cooperating oppositely tapered roller bearings I20 and I29, and is supported at the rear of the bear ram by spaced cylindrical or plain roller ings I30 and I3I The spindle motor 88 for actuating the spindle driving and feeding mechanism in the head 28 is mounted on a portion of the head that carries a spindle driving speed changing mechanism I34. As best shown in Fig. 12, the motor is connected to drive an in-put shaft I35 of the speed changing mechanism I34, the shaft being connected by gearing I36 to a splined shaft I31. The splined. shaft I31 carries two slidably mounted gear couplets I38 and I39 which may be shifted to engage selectively with complementary gears fixed on an intermediate or idler shaft I40, the

arrangement being such that the shaft I40 may be driven at any one of four speeds. From the idler shaft I40 power is transmitted to a splined shaft I4I upon which is slidably mounted a shiftable gear I42 and a gear couplet I43, disposed to mesh selectively with and be driven by complementary gears on the shaft I40. By this arrangement, any one of three gear ratios may be established between the shaft I40 and the shaft MI, and since the shaft I40 has four speeds, the

- shaftI4I may be driven at any one of twelve -I34', there is provided a shifting crank speeds by various combinations of the gearing.

For shifting the gearing in the speed changer mounted on the forward face of the head as shown in Fig. 1 and connected to a shaft- I46 which extends through the front .wall of the head. A suitable speed indicating dial I is operatively associated with the crank I45 and functionsto indicate the setting of the speed changer. Within the spindle head, as may be seen in Fig. 12, the shifting shaft I46 is connected to turn a cam plate'l48 which is operatively connected by means of linkage I49 to shift the gear couplets I38 and I39,.the,arrange-.- ment being such that only one gear of the two couplets may be in mesh at any one time. The cam plate I48 is further operatively connected by intermittent gearing .to actuate another cam. plate I50 provided with cam grooves on both sides and which functions through linkage I5I to shift the gear I42 and the couplet I43 in coordinated relationship with the shifting of the couplets I38 and I39, the" arrangement being such that for each turn of the crank I45 a different gear ratio is provided between the motor 88 and the splined sleeve shaft I4 I.

' From the speed changing mechanism I34,

power is transmitted to a speed range changing mechanism I56 carried by the slidably mounted ram 30,.by means of a splined shaft I55 which is slidably received in complementary internal splines within the sleeve shaft I4I. As-shown, the shaft I55 is rotatably mounted in and carried by an upwardly extending housing I51 fixed on the outer end of the ram 30, the arrangement being such that when the ram is moved in adjusting the axial position of the spindle, the splined shaft I55 will slide within the splined sleeve I4I, thereby maintaining the driving connection.

A gear. wheel I58,-mounted'on the shaft I55 within the housing I'5I transmits power to a gear wheel I59 on a parallelly disposed splined shaft I60. The splined shaft I60 carries a range changing gear couplet I6I includinga pinion I62 that is arranged to be meshed selectively with a complementary bull gear I63 fixed on the spindle 32 for driving the spindle in the lower speed range. The spindle 32 is also provided with a pinion I64 disposed to be meshed selectively by a relatively large gear wheel I65 of the couplet I 6I for driving the spindle in the high speed range. The range changing couplet I6I may be shifted to select the range of operation by means of a shifting fork I66 that is actuated by means of a range changing lever I 6'I mounted on the front of the housing I51 as shown in Fig. 1.

Since the speed changing mechanism I34 provides twelve different speeds and the range changer I56 provides two speed ranges, it is apparent that the spindle 32 may be driven selectively at any one of twenty-four speeds by suitably manipulating the speed changing crank I45 and the range changing lever I61. The speed indicating dial I41 is preferably arranged to be read in com'unction with the position of the range changing lever I81 to indicate the speed at which the spindle will be driven with any combination of settings of the speed changer and the range changer. Change in the direction of rotation of the toolspindle may be effected electrically by reversing the direction of rotation of the spindle driving motor, by means of a reversing switch, as indicated in the wiring diagram Fig. 17.

Power for effecting feeding movement of the ram 30 relative to the saddle 90 is derived directly from the spindle 32 by means of a worm I'll formed on the spindle and meshing with a worm wheel I12 carried bya shaft I13 disposed transversely of the spindle. As shown in the enlarged view Fig. 13, the shaft I13 is provided with pinion teeth which mesh with a gear wheel I14 I on a shaft I15 arranged; to receive on its forward end a removably mounted pick-oil gear I16 that meshes with a complementary pick-off gear I11 removably mounted on the outer end of a parallel shaft I18. The two pick-off gears are interchangeable and replaceable and constitute a rate changing mechanism I19 in the ram driving train, the mechanism being carried by the ram and accessible for changing the pick-off gears upon opening a cover I80 on the front of the housing I51, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

The shaft I18 carries a bevel gear reversing mechanism I8I that is arranged to transmit power in either direction selectively to a splined shaft I82 disposed parallel with the spindle 32, a reversing lever I83 being provided for shifting the reverser I8I to change the direction of rotation of the shaft I82 and consequently the direction of feeding movement of the spindle.

As appears in Figs. 1 and 13, the ram driving splined shaft I82 is journalled in and extends forward from the housing I51 into the spindle head 28 where it has sliding engagement with a clutch sleeve I85 which is slidably and rotatably mounted therein and is provided with internal splines complementary to the splines of the shaft I82, the arrangement being such that longitudinal movement of the ram 39 may be effected without interfering with the driving connection between the shaft I82 and the sleeve I85. For engaging the power feed, the clutch sleeve I85 may be moved axially, by means of a feed clutch shifting lever I88, into engagement with a complementary clutch sleeve I81 carrying a worm I88 that meshes with a worm wheel I89. The worm wheel I89 is rotatably carried by and functions to drive the shaft I23 that constitutes the operative connection between the star wheel 34 and the pinion I2I which meshes with the rack I22 for moving the ram 39, as shown in Fig. 14.

To provide a power driving connection between -the worm wheel I89 and the shaft I23, the shaft has rigidly keyed to it a supporting element presenting a driving flange I90 disposed at one side of and adjacent to the worm wheel and provided with a tubular extension which projects through the worm wheel I89 and functions as a bearing for rotatably supporting it. A selectively engageable coupling may be effected between the flange and the worm wheel by means of a clutch sleeve I9I that is slidably mounted on the shaft I23 and presents axially projecting clutch teeth I92 that are disposed to slidably engage notches =or slots I93 in the periphery of the flange I90 and to enter complementary clutch teeth in-the worm wheel I89. .As shown, the clutch sleeve I9I on the shaft I23 presents notches which are engaged by the inner ends of a plurality of pivotally mounted lever arms or spokes I94 that constitute the star wheel 34, the arrangement being such that when the outer end of any one of the levers I94 is moved outward orforward, the sleeve I9I will be moved inwardly in manner to slide its clutch teeth through the notches I83 and engage them with the complementary clutch teeth in the worm wheel I89. By this arrangement, the power feeding connection is effected with minimum possibility of back lash and without interfering with the positive connection between the star wheel 34 and the ram movin pinion I2I.

With both the clutch sleeve I85 and the clutch sle'eve I9I in engaged position, power will be transmitted from the tool spindle 32 to the ram actuating pinion I2I at the speed selected by the range changer I19 and in the direction selected by the reversing mechanism I8I. Since the ram feeding mechanism is driven directly from the spindle 32, a desired predetermined relationship may be established readily between the rotary movement of the spindle 32 and its longitudinal movement for effecting screw cutting or other spiral cutting operations, there being a minimum amount of back-lash or lost motion in the feeding system. Furthermore, after the predetermined relationship between the rotary and longitudinal movements of the spindle has been estab-. lished to provide the desired spiral lead, the cutting speed may be selected and changed at will merely by adjusting the speed changing mechanism I34 and the range changer I58, without interfering with the pitch of the spiral being machined.

Forward feeding movement of the ram 30 may be arrested at any one of a plurality of pre-selected positions by means of a turret stop mech anism I95 of the type disclosed and claimed in Patent No. 1,968,276, issued July 31, 1934, to Joseph B. Armitage. As appears in Figs. 1 and 13, the turret stop mechanism I95 is carried by the ram 30 and presents a plurality of individually adjustable trip members or swp rods I98 any one of which may be turned into position to engage a stop plunger I91 when the ram is moved forward to a predetermined position. As shown in Fig. 13, the plunger I91 is provided with a notch which engages the lower end of a medially pivoted lever I98 the upper end of which engages 'a groove in the shiftable clutch sleeve I85. When the stop plunger I91 is moved to the left as shown in Fig. 13 by the engagement therewith of an advancing stop rod I96, the lever I98 is pivoted in manner to move the sleeves I to the right to disengage it from the clutch sleeve I81 thereby disconnecting the ram feeding drive.

For effecting precise positioning of the-ram after the drive has been thus disconnected, a sensitive dial indicator-200 is provided on the front of the head adjacent to the dial indicator 82 and arranged to be actuated by means of a forwardly extending portion of the stop plunger I91. Precise adjustme t of the position of the ram is effected by turning a small hand wheel 202 fixed on the forwardly extending end of the sleeve I81 carrying the worm I88 that meshes with the worm wheel I89 on the ram actuating shaft I23.

After the ram has been precisely adjusted by means of the hand wheel 202 with reference to in the adjusted position, or if desired the clamping lever 88 may be actuated to clamp the ram rigidly to the saddle 88, as previously explained. Rapid movement of the ram 38, such as may be required in retracting it after a cutting operation has been completed, is accomplished manually by rotating the star wheel 24, the arms I84 thereof being moved inwardly to the position shown in Fig. 14 to disengage the teeth I82 of the. clutch sleeve |9| from the clutch teeth in the worm wheel I88. I

Power for efiecting various relative movements between the work-supporting table and the tool spindles is derived from. a feeding motor 284 mounted on the end of the bed 2|, as shown in Figs. 1 and i. As appears in the expanded view Fig. 16 showing the transmission mechanism,

the motor 284 is connected to drive a speed or feed rate changing mechanism 288, the motor being coupled to an in-put shaft 288 which is connected by gearing 281 to drive a'splined shaft 288. slidably mounted on the splined shaft 288 are two gear couplets 2|8 and 2 which may be engaged selectively with complementary gears on an intermediate idler shaft 2|2. The gears of the idler shaft 2|2 are arranged to be engaged selectively by and to drive complementary gear couplets 2|2 and 2|4 slidably mounted on a parallelly disposed splined shaft M8. The splined shaft 2|8 also carries a clutch pinion 2|8 which engages selectively with a clutch gear 2" that is slidably mounted on and .is free to turn relative to the shaft 2|8. The clutch gear 2 1 meshes at all times with a gear 2|8 connected by an overload release device 2|8 and an overrunning clutch device 228 to a support driving shaft 22l. The clutch gear 2 is connected with a gear wheel 222 in manner to constitute therewith a gear couplet, the arrangement being such that when the clutch 2" is moved out of engagement with the driving clutch 2|8, the gear wheel 222 will be moved into meshing engagement with a pinion 223 on a stub shaft 224. The stub shaft 224 is driven at reduced rate by means of a gear wheel 228 fixed thereon and meshing with the clutch pinion 218 on the shaft 2|8, the clutch pinion H8 and the pinion 223 cooperating with the couplet constituted by the clutch gear 2" and the gear wheel 222 in manner to function as a range changer. By this arrangement of the gearing, any one of thirty-two gear ratios may be established between the in-put shaft 288 and the support driving shaft 22| to provide thirtytwo rates of feeding movementfor the worksupporting table and the tool spindle carrying heads. Adjustment of the rate changer 288 in selecting the desired feed rate is effected by actuating a rate changing crank 228, mounted on the side of the base 2| as shown in Fig. 4, the rate being indicated upon an associated dial 221.

For effecting relative movement of the spindles and work-support at rapid or quick traverse rate, there is provided a rapid traverse clutch 228 having an in-put gear wheel 228 that is" driven by a meshing gear wheel 238 fixed on the shaft 288 which is directly connected to the motor 204. When the clutch 228 is engaged, it drives a gear wheel 28| that meshes with a complementary gear wheel 232 on the support driving shaft 22 I, the overrunning clutch 228 which constitutes the driving connection between the feed rate driving gear 2|8 and the support driving shaft 22| permitting the shaft to turn at rapid traverse rate without interference from the feed rate changing mechanism 288.-

As shown in Fig. 18, the support driving shaft 22| is provided wlth=a pinion 238 which meshes with a gear wheel 288 on a shaft 231 extending longitudinally of the machine bed 2| and connected by bevel gearing 238 to drive a transverse shaft 238. The ends of the transverse shaft 238 extend into reversing gear boxes or mechanisms 2 and 242 carried by the columns 28 and 28 respectively, the two reversing mechanisms being similar in construction. As shown with regard to the reversing mechanism 242, the shaft 228 has slidably keyed upon it a sleeve gear 248 in manner to permit movement of the mechanism with the column 28 upon its bed extension 24 wthout interfering with the driving connection. The sleeve gear 243 is connected by reverse gearing 244 and a selective reversing clutch sleeve 248 to a shaft 248 that is connected by bevel gearing 241 to the lower end of the spindle head elevating screw 48, the arrangement being such that with the clutch sleeve in the neutral position as shown, the driving mechanism is disconnected from the elevating screw 40. Upon movement of the clutch sleeve 248 in the one or the other direction by means of a cooperating shifting fork 248, the shaft 248 and the elevating screw 48 may be driven in either direction selectively at the rate established by the rate changing mechanism 208. Actuation of the shifting forks 248 to adjust the reversing mechanisms 24| and 242 is effected by means of reversing levers 248 and 258 (both shown in Fig. 1)'

the associated shaft end. By this arrangement either spindle head may be actuated manually or may be driven by power either up or down selectively at the rate established by the rate changing mechanism 288.

The work table 22 may be driven selectively in either direction by means of a clutch gear 284 which meshes with the gear 238 on the shaft 281 and is arranged to be moved from the neutral position shown-in Fig. 16 into engagement with either a clutch gear 288 or a clutch gear 288.

The gears 288 and 288 are operatively connected to drive a table actuating screw 281 in opposite directions, respectively, the clutch gear 288 being meshed with an idler gear 288 which in turn meshes with a gear 288 fixed on the screw 281 while the clutch gear 288 meshes directly with a gear 288 likewise fixed on the screw. As shown in Fig. 16, the screw281 has threaded enga'gement with a nut 28| depending from the table 22. the arrangement being such that when the screw is rotated the table is moved in the one or the other direction. The table screw 281 is preferably protected by a guard such as is shown in the co-pending application of Joseph B. Armitage, Serial No. 142,781, filed May 15, 1937, now Patent No. 2,198,102, dated April 23,

Shifting movement of the table reversing clutch gear 284 is effective by means of a shifting fork 282 carried on a shifting rod 283 presenting a notch which is engaged by the end of an arm 284 on a rocking shaft 288 that extends transits projecting ends with hand levers 281 and 268 respectively. The levers 281 and 268 are disposed for convenient operation at each side of the machine bed 2|, as shown in Fig. l and furthermore they are connected by links 218, respectively to auxiliary levers 212 spaced therefrom along the bed to provide for convenient control of the table feed mechanism from another position.

The table screw 25! is provided with an extendare disposed to be engaged by the table in the course of its movement, whereby the dial indicator 216 will be actuatedto indicate precisely the position of the table in well known manner.

For effecting precise movement of the table, a pair of hand wheels 219 and 288 are provided,

the wheels being disposed at opposite sides of the bed 2| and fixed on the ends of a transverse shaft 282. As shown in Fig. 5, the transverse shaft 282 is provided with a worm 283 which meshes with a worm wheel .284 that may be coupled selectively to the screw extension shaft 213 by means of a friction clutch 285. A clutch actuating spool 281 for engaging or. disengaging the clutch 285 is slidably mounted on the shaft 213 and is operatively connected by linkage 288 to be actuated by a hand lever 289 pivotally mounted on the end of the bed 2|. Since the hand wheels 219 and 288 would be rotated rapidly if they were connected to the shaft 213 when it is being driven by power at rapid traverse rate, an interlocking arrangement is provided to prevent simultaneous engagement of the hand wheel clutch 285 and the table driving clutch gear 254. For this purpose, an interlocking plunger 298 is arranged to be actuated by the linkage 288 and is disposed to enter a notch 29| in the shifting rod 263 when the table driving clutch gear 254 is in neutral position, thereby permitting movement of the linkage to engage the hand wheel clutch 285 and locking the rod 283 against longitudinal movement to retain the clutch gear 254 in neutral position. Furthermore, whenever the clutch gear 254 is engaged with either the clutch gear 255 or the clutch gear 256, the notch 29| is moved out of register with the interlocking plunger 298 thereby locking the linkage 288 against movement and preventing engagement of the hand wheel clutch 285.

After the table 22 has'been accurately positioned, it may be clamped rigidly to the bed 2| by actuating a table clampinglever 295 mounted on the side of the bed as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in detail in Figs. '7, 8 and 9, the clamping lever 285 is connected to turn an eccentric element 298 disposed between a pair of arms constituting the bifurcated end of a lever 291 which is pivotally supported at its other end upon the bed 2| by means of a pin 298. Adjacent to its pivoted end. the lever 291 is provided with a pin 299 which engages a slot in thebifurcated lower end of a clamping rod 388 that carries at its upper end a clamping shoe 38l. As best shown in Fig. 9, the shoe 381 is provided with an inclined face complementary to and bearing upon the inclined face of a gib 382 that is carried by the table 22. When the clamping lever 295 is moved to clamping position, the eccentric 286 moves the lever 291 downward thereby drawing the clamping shoe 38| downward and forcing it into clamping engagement with the inclined bearing surface of the gib 382, whereby the table 22 is clamped rigidly to the bed 2| without changing its position relative thereto. As shown in Fig. 9, the clamping shoe 38| is secured to the upper end of the clamping rod 388 by means of a retaining screw 383, the arrangement being such that the clamp may be adjusted to compensate for wear by removing the screw and refitting the shoe to the rod, preferably by grinding down the shank of the shoe, the screw 383 then being replaced to retain the shoe in its new clamping relationship with the gib.

Control of the rapid traverse clutch 228 for causing movement of the table and of the spindle heads at rapid traverse rate is effected by means of rapid traverse levers 381 and 388 disposed at opposite sides of the bed 2|, respectively, and

fixed on the ends of a transverse rocking shaft 389. As shown in Fig. 16, the shaft 389 is provided with an arm 3! the end of which engages a notch in a control rod 3 carrying a shifting fork 3|2 that engages a clutch spool 3|3 in manner to move it for engaging or disengaging the rapid traverse friction clutch 228. Engagement of the clutch 228 causes movement of the table or heads to occur at rapid traverse rate in accordance with the positions of the various reversing and disconnecting mechanisms as previously explained.

Trip mechanism preferably of the well known table dog type, may be provided for automatically actuating the table controlling mechanism. For automatically controlling the vertical movement of the spindle heads, each column is provided with a vertically disposed trip rod 3|6, as shown in Figs. 4 and 10, each rod being slidably engaged by an arm 3" carried by the corresponding.

spindle head. As shown in Fig. 4, each trip rod 3|8 is provided with two adjustable trip collars 3|8 and 3|8 disposed at opposite sides of the arm 3", and each rod is connected by linkage 328 with the actuating mechanism for moving the shifting fork 248 associated with the reversing clutch sleeve 245, of the corresponding reversing mechanism. The arrangement of the linkage 328 is such that the clutch sleeve 245 will be moved to its neutral position by movement of the trip rod 3|6 upon the engagement of the arm 3|1 with either of the tripping collars 3|8 or 3|9, whereby power movement of the spindle head may be stopped at either of two predetermined positions in its path of vertical travel.

Electrical energy for operating the spindle motors 81 and 88, the feed motor 284, and other electrical equipment on the machine, is derived from a power source indicated by line conductors Ll, L2 and L3 in the circuit diagram, Fig, 17. As shown, a master switch 325 is provided for controlling the flow of current from the power source into the lines leading to all of the motors and the other electrical equipment, the feed motor 284 being independently controlled by means of an electrically operated motor switch 328, and the spindle motors being likewise independently controlled by means of electrically operated motor switches 321 and 328, respectively.

Referring to Fig. 4, there is provided on each side of the machine bed 2| a master switch clospush button 332, the buttons being indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 17. To energize the electrical circuit in the machine prerequisite to starting the motors, the master switch closing push button 33| on either side of the machine is depressed, thereby completing a control circuit which leads from the line conductor L2 through a conductor 333,- to the depressed push button switch 33|, and thence through either a' conductor 334 or a conductor 335, as the case may be, to a solenoid 336 of the switch 325 from which a conductor 331 leads to the line conductor Ll.

Energization of the solenoid 336 in this manner closes the master switch 325 and at the same time establishes a holding circuit through an auxiliarycontactor 348. The holding circuit leads from the line conductor L2 and the conductor 333 through both of the normally closed switch opening push buttons 332 in series circuit relationship, and thence through the auxiliary contact 348 and a conductor 34| to the solenoid 336 from which the conductor 331 leads to the line conductor LI. The switch opening push buttons 332 being in series relationship, the machine operator may deenergize the circuit from a position at either side of the machine by de-- pressing either one of the two push buttons, thereby opening the holding circuit and deenergizing the solenoid 336 to permit the switch 325 to move to open position.

With the master switch 325 in the closed position and the lines leading to the motors thus energized, the right hand spindle motor 88, for example, may be controlled by means of a spindle motor starting push button switch 343 and a normally closed stopping push button switch 344, the switches'being mounted on the right side of the machine bed 2| adjacent to the column 26, as shown in Fig. 4. Referring now to the circuit diagram Fig. 17, when the motor starting button 343 is depressed, a control circuit is established which leads from the line conductor-L2 through a conductor 349, a contactor 358 of a protective overload relay 35| associated with the motor 88, and a conductor 352 to the depressed push button switch 343 and thence through a conductor 353 leading to a solenoid 354 of the motor switch 328, from which a conductor 355 leads to the line conductor Ll.

With the solenoid 354 thus energized, the

switch 328 is closed thereby supplying power to the motor 88 and closing a holding circuit auxiliary contact 356. With the auxiliary contact 356 closed, the holding circuit leads from the conductor 352 to the normally closed motor stopping push button switch 344 (instead of to the starting switch 343 which may then be released),

- the current then flowing through the push button switch 344, a conductor 358 and thence through the closed auxiliary contactor 356 and a conductor 353 leading to the solenoid 354, from which the conductor 355 leads to the line conductor LI. 1

It now the motor 88 should stall or otherwise i become overloaded, the overload relay 35| will open, thereby opening the control circuit and permitting the switch 328 to move to open position. Likewise when it is desired to stop the motor, the normally closed.push button switch 344, which is disposed on the side of the bed 2| beneath the starting switch 343, may be depressed to open .the control circuit in simila manner. The left hand spindle motor 81 is similarly controlled by means of a push button starting switch 368 and a normally closed push button stopping switch 361 the switches being disposed on the left side of the machine bed 2|, adjacent to. the column 25 and opposite the right spindle switches 343 and 344. When the starting switch 368 is depressed, a control circuit for energizing the motor 81 is established from the line conductor L2 through a conductor 362, a contactor 363 of a protective overload relay 364 associated with the motor 81, then by a conductor 365, to the depressed push' button switch 368 and thence through a conductor 866 to a solenoid 361 of the motor switch 321, from which the conductor 355 leads to the line conductor LI. 1

With the solenoid 381 thus energized, the

switch 321 is closed to supply power to the motor 81 and to establish a holding circuit through an auxiliary contact member 368. With the auxil-' iary contact member 368 in closed position, the holdingcircuit extends from the conductor 365 through the normally closed stop push button switch 36| and thence through a conductor 368, the auxiliary contact 368 and a conductor 318 to the solenoid 361 from which the conductor 355 leads to the line conductor Ll.

If now the motor 81 becomes overloaded, the overload relay 364 will openthereby opening the control circuit and deenergizing the solenoid 361 to permit the switch 321 to move to Open position. Likewise, if the normally closed push button switch 36| is depressed, the control circuit will be opened, causing the switch 321 to open and the motor 81 to stop.

For controlling the direction of rotation of the tool carrying spindles 3| and 32, the motors 81 and 88 are each provided with a reversing switch 3", as indicated in the wiring diagram, the

switches being of any well known type appropriate for effecting reversal of the motors.

The feeding motor 284 for effecting feeding movements of the work-supporting table and the tool spindle heads, as previously explained, may be started. from eitherside of the machine by depressing either one of-a ,pair of starting push button switches 312 disposed on opposite sides of the bed 2| respectively, and adjacent to the starting buttons for the respective spindle motors. According to a feature of this invention, the feeding motor 284 is arranged to be started for effecting relative feeding movement,- only after one or both of the spindle motors has been put into operation. and is arranged to be stopped automatically upon the occurrence of an overload condition in either spindle motor regardless of whether only one or both of the spindle motors are operating at the time. To this end. the control circuit for energizing the feed motor is derived through contactors 313 and 314 on the spindle motor overload relays 35| and 384 respectively, the contactors being connected in series circuit relationship, and then through one or the other of auxiliary interlocking contactors 315 and 316 associated with the spindle motor switches 321 and 328, respectively, and connected in parallel circuit relationship. Accordingly, when either one of the feed motor starting push buttons 312 is depressed, a control circuit is .established from the line conductor L2 through the conductor 348, a conductor 3", the contactor 313 of the overload relay "I, a conductor 318, and the contactor 314 of the overload relay 364, to a conductor 313, from which the circuit, leads through either the auxiliary contactor 315 associated with the spindle motor 81, or the auxiliar'y contactor 316 associated with the spindle 'motor switches 321 and 328, parallelly connected auxiliary interlocking conmotor 88, depending upon which motor is operating at the time, to a conductor 388, from which a conductor 38| leads to the feed motor starting push buttons 312, and thence through the depressed push button and a conductor 382, to a solenoid 383 of the feed motor starting switch 326 from which a conductor 384 leads to the line conductor Ll Upon the solenoid 383 being thus energized, the switch 326 is closed to supply power to the feeding motor 284 and to close an auxiliary contactor 385 for establishing a holding circuit. As shown, the holding circuit extends from the conductor 38l through a pair of normally closed stop push button switches 386 connected in series relationship and associated respectively with the .starting push button switches 312 on opposite sides of the machine bed 2|. The circuit then leads through the contactor of a protective overload relay 381 associated with the motor 284, thence through the auxiliary contactor 385, and a conductor 388, to the solenoid 383 which is connected by the conductor 384 to the line conductor LI.

With the holding circuit thus established, the feeding motor 284 will continue to run after the starting push button switch has been released but will be stopped automatically upon the occurrence of overload in any one of the three motors, since the control circuit leads through all of the overload relays 35l, 364 and 381 in series circuit relationship. Furthermore, the feed motor 284 will be stopped automatically in the event that both spindle motors are stopped by opening the spindle since with both the tactors 315 and 316 open the control circuit .is interrupted, however, either one of the spindle motor switches may be opened without interfering with the operation of the feed motor as long as the other spindle motor switch remains closed.

Although it is highly desirable to prevent the feed motor 284 from operating to effect feeding movements unless at least one of the spindle motors is running in order that the work in the machine may not be fed against a stationary cutter inadvertently, it is also desirable that the work table 22 and the spindle heads 21 and 28 may be moved at rapid traverse rate in setting up work on the machine without the necessity of energizing the spindle motor. To this end there is provided a normally open rapid traverse switch 392 which is operatively connected to be actuated by the rapid traverse lever 388, as indicated in Figs. '4 and 1'7, and that functions in the manner set forth and claimed in Patent No. 2,081,288, issued May 25, 1937 to Joseph B; Armitage.

When the lever 388 is moved to rapid traverse position, the switch 392 is closed thereby establishing a shunt control circuit for energizing the feed motor s tch 326, which leads from the line conductor L2 through the conductor 349, the conductor 311, the contactor 313 of the overload relay 35!, the conductor 318, and the contactor 314 of the overload relay 364 to the conductor 319. Instead of then leading as before through one of the auxiliary contactors 315 and 318 associated with the spindle motors, the circuit now extends directly from the conductor 319 through a conductor 394 and the closed rapid traverse switch 392 to a conductor 395 which connects with the conductor 382 leadingto' the solenoid 383 of the switch 326 from which the conductor 384 leads to the line conductor Ll. This results in closing the switch 326 and supplying power to the motor 284 for moving the table or the spindle heads at rapid traverse rate as.10ng as the lever 388 is held in rapid traverse position. Since neither spindle motor is in operation, the parallelly connected contactors 315 and 316 in the holding circuit are both open, hence the control circuit will be interrupted and the switch 326 will open and stop the motor as soon as the lever 388 is moved to open the rapid traverse switch 392'. By this arrangement the motor 284 may be operated to effect rapid traverse movement of the table and the heads regardless of whether or not the spindle motors are operating, while to effect movement at feed rate it is necessary that one 5? the other of the spindle motors be energized, the circuit being further so arranged that the feed motor 284 will be stopped automatically upon the occurrence of an overload in any one of the motors.

From the foregoing description and explanation of the operation of the boring and milling machine herein set forth as exemplifying the invention, it is apparent that there has been provided an improved machine tool structure and control system by means of which a worksupporting structure and cooperating tool spindles may be relatively positioned and correlated in operation in manner to perform work conveniently and efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy.

Although the illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described in considerable detail for the purpose of setting forth a practical operative exemplifying apparatus, it is to be understood that the particular structure and control system herein described are intended to be illustrative only and that the various inventive features may be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the subjoined claims.

The principles of the invention having now been fully explained in connection with the foregoing description of the embodying apparatus, we hereby claim as our invention:

'1. In a boring and milling machine having a base, the combination with a work-supporting table slidably mounted for horizontal movement on said base, said base one at each side of said table, a spindle head slidably mounted for vertical movement on each of said columns, and a tool supporting spindle rotatably mounted in each of said heads in position to cooperate with said work-supporting table, of driving means for moving said table and said spindle heads, said driving means comprising a driving motor, a speed changing mechanism disposed to be driven by said motor and adapted to transmit power selectively at any one of a plurality of feed rates, a transmission train including reversing and disconnecting mechanism disposed to transmit power from said speed changing mechanism to said table to drive it selectively in either direction, transmission trains each including reversing and disconnecting mechanism disposed to transmit power from said speed changer to each of said spindle heads to drive each head selectively in either direction individually, and rapid traverse driving mechanism selectivelyengageable to actuate all of said trans mission trains for moving said table and said heads at rapid traverse rate in accordance with the driving connections effected by the corresponding reversing and disconnecting mechanisms.

a pair of columns upstanding on 2. In a machine tool, the combination with a column presenting a bearing face and a supporting member slidably mounted on said bearing face, of means for clamping said supporting member to said column, comprising two spaced pairs of pivoted clamping arms arranged to engage said column at positions disposed to define a rectangle and acting in direction to clamp said slidable member against said bearing face of said column, a clamping device for engaging said clamping arms, an equalizing lever disposed to be engaged at its middle by said clamping device and operative to exert equal forces at its ends upon said spaced'pairs of clamping arms, respectively, and a pairof equalizing shoeseach pivotally mounted at its middle on one end of said equalizing lever and each disposed to engage with its ends the pivoted arms constituting one pair of said clamping arms in manner to equalize the forces exerted by the corresponding end of said lever between the clamping arms of said pair, whereby force exerted by said clamping device may be equalized between the four clamping arms in manner to clamp said supportingmemher to said bearing face of said column with equalized pressure.

3. In a machine tool having a work-supporting table, a tool supporting head mounted for movement relative to said table, a ram slidably mounted in said head, a tool spindle rotatably mounted in said ram. for movement bodily therewith, a motor carried by said head and operative to drive said spindle, a speed changing transmission mechanism carried by said head and operatively connected to be driven by said motor, a range changer carried by said ram for bodily movement therewith, and means for transmitting power from said speed changer on said head to said range changer on said ram, said range changer being operatively connected to transmit power to said spindle selectively in either a high speed range or a low speed range.

4. In a machine tool having a bodily movable spindle supporting head, a spindle supporting ram carried by said head, a tool supporting spindle rotatably mounted in said ram for bodily movement therewith, a plurality of angularly disposed rectilinear bearing surfaces formed in said head for slidably supporting said ram, complementary rectilinear bearing surfaces formed on said ram and disposed to slide upon said bearing surfaces in said head in manner to provide for axial movement of said tool spindle relative to said head, and retaining means disposed to maintain the bearing surfaces on said ram in close engagement with thebearing surfaces in said head to insure accurate alignment of said spindle at any position assumed by said ram.

5. In a machine tool, the combination with a frame presenting two bearing surfaces disposed at right angles to each other, of a member slidably mounted on said frame and presenting hearing surfaces complementary to and disposed in engagement with the bearing surfaces presented by said frame, means carried by said frame to retain said complementary bearing surfaces in cooperating engagement, and a clamping device relative to said frame by sliding it along said bearing surfaces and then clamped securely by said clamping device without changing its position.

6. In a machine tool having a bodily movable spindle supporting head, a spindle supporting ram carried by said head, a tool supporting spindle rotatably mounted in said ram for bodily movement therewith, a plurality of angularly disposed rectilinear bearing surfaces formed in said head for slidably supporting said ram, complementary rectilinear bearing surfaces formed on said ram and disposed I: slide upon said bearing surfaces in said Tlea in manner to provide for axial movement of said tool spindle relative to said head, retaining means disposed to maintain the bearing surfaces on said ram in close engagement with the bearing surfaces in said head to insure accurate alignment of said spindle at any position assumed by said ram, and clamping means arranged to force the bearing surfaces on said ram into clamping engagement with the bearing surfaces in said head, whereby said ram may be clamped in a predetermined position without changing the alignment of said spindle. v

7. In a machine tool, the combination with a frame and a member slidably mounted on said.

. frame, of angularly disposed fixed bearing surdisposed to engage said slidably mounted memher at a position opposed to said bearing surfaces and operative when engaged to force both of the bearing surfaces on said slidable member into clamping engagement with the complementary bearing surfaces on said frame, whereby said slidable member may be positioned accurately faces formed on said frame, complementary hearing surfaces formed on said slidable member and disposed in engagement with said surfaces on said frame, other bearing surfaces formed on said slidable member and disposed in opposition to said first mentioned surfaces thereon, adjustable gibs carried by said frame and disposed to engage said other bearing surfaces on said slidable member to retain it in contact with said fixed bearing surfaces, and a clamping element carried by said frame] and disposed to engage said slidable member at a position opposed to said fixed bearing surfaces, whereby when said clamping element is tightened it will force said slidable member into clamping engagement with said fixed bearing surfaces to clamp it without changing its position.

8. In a boring. machine, the combination with a spindle supporting head presenting two fixed bearing surfaces disposed at right angles to each other, a spindle supporting ram presenting hearing surfaces complementary to; and disposed to cooperate with the fixed bearing surfaces on said head and presenting other bearing surfaces parallel with and opposed to said first mentioned bearing surfaces, adjustable gibs carried by said supporting head and adapted to engage said other bearing surfaces in manner to support said ram for sliding movement in contact with said fixed bearing surfaces on said head, and a tool supporting spindle rotatably mounted in said ram.

9. In a machine tool having work-supporting means, a tool supporting head mounted for movement relative to said work-supporting means, a ram slidably mounted in said head, a tool spindle rotatably supported by said ram, means to,drivesaid spindle, feeding mechanism for moving said ram including rate changing mechanism carried by said ram and operatively connected to be driven directly from said spindle, reversing and disconnecting mechanism disposed to be driven at selected rate by said rate changing mechanism.

and means selectively driven in either direction by said reverser and operative to effect movement of said ram relative to said head.

10. In a boring and milling machine, a work- 

